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Ten Year Old Rankmark, Inc. Sold

Andrew Birnbaum and Paul McCormack acquire Rankmark Inc., an independent golf club testing company, from owner Charlie Mandel, who will stay on as founder. Birnbaum will become chief executive officer, while McCormack is the chief operating officer.

BRIEFLY

» Etcetera

The R&A and SABMiller enter into a long-term agreement under which Pilsner Urquell will become the official beer of the British Open. … The Carolinas PGA Section awards a $5,000 Nicklaus/PGA Teaching Grant to The First Tee of Myrtle Beach. The Carolinas PGA Section gave more than $40,000 to charitable interests throughout the Carolinas through various tournaments and grants in 2008. … The PGA of America selects ArborLinks in Nebraska City, Neb., to host one of 12 PGA Junior Series events in 2009. … The World Golf Hall of Fame releases the 2009 PGA Tour and International ballots to its respective voting bodies. New candidates this year are Jay Haas and Kenny Perry on the PGA Tour ballot and Darren Clarke on the International ballot. Inductees will be announced in the spring. … Arnold Palmer will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the sixth KPMG Golf Business Forum, May 4-6 in Wales. … Villa Premiere Hotel and Spa in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, announces its “Tee It Up” golf package, which starts at $299 per person, per night. For information, call 877-886-9176 or visit www.premiereonline.com.mx. … Oak Hills Country Club in Ada, Okla., selects ClubTec‘s SQL Club Management Solutions. … The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America announces that Gravely Turf will sponsor the “You Asked For It … You Got It!” session at the GCSAA Education Conference, Feb. 4 in New Orleans, La. The session will address a wide range of topics.

» Tournaments

Ernie Els commits to play in the Ballantine’s Championship, April 23-26 in Jeju, South Korea. … The 18th TRANS Amateur Women’s Four Ball Championship is scheduled for April 28-30 at the CasaBlanca Resort in Mesquite, Nev. Entry forms are now available at www.womenstrans.com. … Peter Jacobsen withdraws from the Wendy’s Champions Skins Game due to injury, and is replaced by Ben Crenshaw. The Skins Game is Jan. 17-18 in Maui, Hawaii. … The ACE Group Classic offers a chance to play golf with Gary Player, who will celebrate his 20th anniversary at the Naples, Fla., event. The ACE Group Classic will host a one-day tournament at TPC Treviso Bay on Monday, Feb. 16. Four flight winners from the event will be paired with Player during the tournament’s pro-am on Thursday, Feb. 19. For information, call 800.566.3470 or visit www.acegroupclassic.com. Also, eight former champions – Bobby Wadkins (2007), Loren Roberts (2006), Craig Stadler (2004), Gil Morgan (1998, 2002), Hale Irwin (1997, 2001) and Scott Hoch (2008) – commit to play this year’s event.

Keri expands '09 line

Keri Golf announces the debut of an expanded accessories line for 2009 that will feature a new shuttle duffel and bucket tote, alongside the classic sporty tote, as part of its Matty Collection.

Pukka's new collection ready for PGA Show

Pukka Headwear will introduce its new Pukka Remix Collection at the PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 29-31 in Orlando, Fla. The collection is focused around 12 unique pieces of headwear.

Toms Returns To Cleveland® Golf

Cleveland Golf/Srixon re-signs PGA Tour player David Toms to a multi-year contract after a two-year hiatus and will once again be carrying Cleveland clubs in his bag.

The New Look of the EWGA

The Executive Women’s Golf Association enters 2009 with a new logo, and an initials-only name (EWGA).

Champ Returns to 2009 PGA Demo Day

Champ Spikes will return as an exhibitor to the annual Demo Day, which is held in conjunction with the PGA Merchandise Show, Jan. 29-31 in Orlando, Fla. Demo Day will be held Jan. 28 at the Orange County National Golf Center and Lodge.